Many of the data entry forms in the C/Books are composed of multiple screens. Each screen allows data entry into one file. Understanding how form switches between these screens makes data entry much easier.
Each screen has two main attributes assigned to it when the data entry form is designed: repeating and appending. These two attributes control how multiple screens within one data entry form are displayed.
The repeating attribute controls when a switch is made to the next screen of a data entry form. If a screen is marked as repeating, form stays in that screen until you press the NEXT <F7> button. If a screen is not marked as repeating, when form finishes that screen, it switches to the next screen in the data entry form.
The appending attribute controls how a screen is displayed. If a screen is marked as appending, the picture of the screen is appended below what is currently displayed. If the screen is not an appending screen, the picture of the screen replaces the current display.
The Purchase Orders data entry form can be used to illustrate these attributes. The first screen is a non-repeating, non-appending screen. When this screen is displayed, it replaces the entire contents of the display.
The second screen is a repeating and appending screen. When this screen is first displayed, it appends itself to the current display.
As successive records are added, or found, a new screen is displayed, each screen appending to the current display.
To switch to the third screen, you must press the NEXT <F7> button.
The third screen is a non-repeating, appending screen. When this screen is displayed, it appends itself to the current display.
When this screen has been processed, form switches to the fourth screen.
The fourth screen is a non-repeating, non-appending screen. When this screen is displayed, the picture of this screen completely replaces the current display.
When adding, changing, or deleting records, form switches to the next screen after processing a non-repeating screen. All other types of screens or form operations require you to press the NEXT <F7> button to switch to the next screen.